IPL 2019: Mike Hesson to coach Kings XI Punjab in the tournament

Mike Hesson replaced Brad Hodge as KXIP head coach for the IPL 2019.

Former New Zealand cricket head coach, Mike Hesson has replaced Brad Hodge as head coach of the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for the upcoming twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019.

The latest development was confirmed by the franchise on their official twitter handle on Monday (October 29) with a caption, “Nava Season ✅ Nava Coach ✅ Ek Navi Umang New Season ✅ New Coach ✅ Renewed Passion ✅ Welcoming @CoachHesson to the @lionsdenkxip #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #KXIP”

Hesson had stepped down from the role as coach of New Zealand to take “a break from the rigours of international cricket, and to spend more time with his wife and children.”

Having been in charge of the Black Caps for more than six years, Hesson’s appointment with Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will mark his first assignment in the lucrative Indian T20 League.

With the latest development, Hesson will join KXIP Mentor and Head of Cricket Operations, Virender Sehwag, as part of the support staff at the IPL franchise for the upcoming season.

He has been given the responsibility to revive the fortunes of KXIP, who had finished seventh in the last IPL 2018 season, and managed to win only six matches out of 14 games.

However, Hesson never played international cricket, but made a strong impression as coach of the New Zealand national team during his tenure with the side –guided them to their first ever World Cup final in 2015, and thirteen successful victories at home in the 2017-18 season.